About Cymbopogon bombycinus (R.Br.) Domin
Cymbopogon bombycinus (R.Br.) Domin is a tufted perennial bunchgrass that does not produce stolons or rhizomes. Its culms, the stems of the grass, grow between 0.5 and 1.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches to 4 feet 11 inches) tall, and have a smooth surface, though the nodes may be covered in hair. The leaves of this species are 5 to 30 centimeters (2.0 to 11.8 inches) long and 1 to 4 millimeters (0.039 to 0.157 inches) wide, and are smooth on both sides. When crushed, the leaf releases a strong, citrus-like scent. The plant's inflorescence, its collection of flowers, is made up of a 10 to 30 centimeter (3.9 to 11.8 inch) long section of spikelets that is largely hidden by long hairs. Cymbopogon bombycinus occurs mostly in southwestern areas of Australia, specifically in tropical and subtropical regions of Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. This species grows on sandy and stony soils along stream banks or on alluvial flats, and is occasionally found in eucalyptus woodlands. Aboriginal peoples of Australia burn this plant, rub it on the body to treat colds and pain, and soak it in water to use the resulting liquid to treat sore eyes. Despite its strong aromatic scent, the plant is eaten during the summer, but becomes harsh as it ages, and old plants are seldom eaten.
